Unbeaten Joker Boy takes on serious competition in American Pharoah

The undefeated 2-year-old colt Joker Boy will have his graded stakes debut in Friday’s Grade 1 American Pharoah Stakes at 1 1/16 miles at Santa Anita.

The decision was finalized after Joker Boy worked five furlongs in 1:00.40 at Santa Anita on Saturday. Trainer Brian Koriner said the $300,000 American Pharoah Stakes was selected for Joker Boy instead of waiting for the $175,000 Golden State Juvenile for statebreds on Nov. 5 at Del Mar.

“It’s worth the try, and there is nowhere else to run,” Koriner said. “I don’t know if we have anything to lose. I think he’s a pretty good horse.”

Edwin Maldonado has been booked to ride Joker Boy, Koriner said.

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The winner of the American Pharoah Stakes receives a fees-paid berth to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile on Nov. 5 at Del Mar.

Owned by Rusty Brown, Alan Klein, and Phil Lebherz, Joker Boy is perfect in two starts, both against statebreds at Del Mar – a maiden special weight race at 5 1/2 furlongs on Aug. 7 and the I’m Smokin Stakes at six furlongs by 3 1/2 lengths on Sept. 4.